Stories from Athens · Greece

An unusual cold wave is affecting Greece, bringing winter-like conditions during May. Meteorologists report snow has fallen in the mountains around Athens, the Peloponnese peninsula, and Crete. The weather is also characterized by heavy rainfall and stormy winds.

The Greek Ministry of Development has prepared a draft law to provide consumers with tax benefits and interest-free loans. These loans could reach up to 100,000 euros and would not require collateral or a deposit.

PASOK party spokesperson Kostas Tsoukalas has called for elections to be held as soon as possible following the seventh inauguration of the Prime Minister. The announcement comes as opposition parties PASOK, SYRIZA, and KKY react to the inauguration. No specific date for the requested elections was provided in the report. In an announcement, the party criticized Prime Minister Giorgos Mitsotakis regarding his recent appearance. Syriza also issued a critique of the government, alleging that rapid increases in privatization are facilitating government excesses. Tsoukalas expressed disappointment regarding Alexis Tsipras's refusal to participate in a Sky documentary marking a 1000th anniversary. Journalists Eleni Varvitsioti and Victoria Dendrinou also expressed disappointment with the former Prime Minister's statement.

Greece has secured long-term agreements to sell American liquefied natural gas to Albania and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Alexandros Exarchos played a role in signing these bilateral deals. The agreements are described as a double deal for the Balkan region.

A nation's internal security service has returned 26 ancient artifacts that had previously been confiscated.

Applications for the Community Tourism Program have exceeded 340,000, according to the broadcaster. The deadline for submitting these applications is tonight. The program is expected to involve a monthly payment of €500 for coverage over a 2.5-year period. The program is available to private sector employees insured by EFCA and registered unemployed individuals via ZDIPA. Economic advisor Babis Kaukis is discussing the implementing policies of the program.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis presented a draft law at his inaugural Sunday press conference to regulate consumer loans. The new regulations set a maximum limit for the total cost of repaying consumer loans up to €100,000. Under the proposed rules, the total amount repaid will not exceed 30-50% of the original capital. The Development Agency is overseeing the draft legislation. A discussion is underway in Greece regarding the issue of rent control. The potential measures being considered include limiting the number of tenants, if deemed necessary. The Minister of Citizens' Protection, Michalis Chrysochoidis, stated that the compulsory safety of tenants, including landlords, is currently under examination.

A split has emerged within the New Democracy parliamentary group following revelations regarding an envoy. The opposition has reacted strongly to the issue of undercover agents reappearing in the political scene.

Apollon Smirnis was eliminated from the small final after losing 16-12 in the semifinals yesterday. The team will not advance to the final four of the qualifying phase. The small final is scheduled to begin at 6:30 at the Falir stadium.

The Likud party is reportedly unable to target the broad right, according to a commentator on Athina 9.84 FM. There is a perception that two parties may fail to win elections and instead finish in second place.